Unless you’re a celebrity, billionaire, or meteorologist, we probably don’t think much about West Palm Beach as a fun vacation spot. Images of blue hairs in tennis whites sipping martinis may come to mind. But we’re here to dispel the myth that West Palm is just for fogeys and one-percenters!
This city has way more going for it than just swanky country clubs and massive yachts. We mean, don’t get us wrong – those certainly exist here. But nestled between the high-rises and beach mansions is actually a pretty hip, thriving city with tons of fun attractions for us common folk too. We’re talking miles of sandy beaches without an Amex Black card in sight, parks and trails galore, and a dining scene that ranges from flip-flops casual to high heels fancy.
So join us in this West Palm travel guide as we shatter misconceptions about this secretly vibrant Florida destination. We’ll highlight where to soak up the sun without feeling poor, the best places to shop ’til you…still can’t afford much, and the top budget-friendly hotels that won’t completely ruin your finances.
And we’ll cheer to that with a happy hour cocktail that won’t require taking out a second mortgage. Sound good? Then let’s get to it in our fashionably affordable West Palm travel guide!
About West Palm Beach
Located on the southeastern coast of Florida, West Palm Beach offers beautiful beaches, warm weather, and plenty of entertainment options. It is the county seat of Palm Beach County. It is home to more than 100k people and has a growing population.
It is also home to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Norton Museum of Art. These two museums display European and American art. They organize traveling exhibits and offer a variety of performances for both residents and visitors.
Aside from the performing arts, West Palm Beach has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city also has some of the best beaches in Florida. The beach is surrounded by a number of waterways and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and boating.
In addition, West Palm Beach has a thriving tourism industry that generates a huge economic impact. The largest tourism employer in the West Palm Beach area is the PGA National Resort & Spa.
The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife. The downtown districts of Clematis Street and CityPlace feature bars, restaurants, and shops. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts, dances, and operas.
Why Go to West Palm Beach
Along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, West Palm Beach is an ideal destination for a getaway. The city offers a unique mix of activities for visitors of all ages. The city is known for its vibrant neighborhoods. Clematis Street, for example, features sidewalk cafes and colorful murals. The city is also home to a farmer’s market. The market is open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The city is also home to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, which is housed in an Edwardian mansion. This museum features an extensive collection of European, American and contemporary art. Other museums in the area include the Norton Museum of Art, which has a large collection of American art and photography.
The South Florida Science Center is a popular Palm Beach County science museum. It features a 10,000-gallon freshwater aquarium and a planetarium. The museum also features educational films and interactive exhibits. It is also home to native South Florida marine life. West Palm Beach is also home to a variety of restaurants. Visitors can find casual dining on Clematis Street or fine dining at the Brazilian Court Hotel. Another popular restaurant is Ta-boo Restaurant, which offers upscale French food in the sun.
Best Time to Go
Located in Southern Florida, West Palm Beach is a beautiful place to visit. It is a vibrant, urban city with lots of attractions and activities. It is also a great place to visit for a family vacation.
West Palm Beach has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The “hot season” officially begins in early June and lasts through September. It is also home to an interesting mix of beaches and waterways.
The best time to visit West Palm Beach is late spring or early fall. These months offer fewer crowds and a cooler temperature. You’ll also find a wide variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping.
The city’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. You can also visit the local zoo to see all the animals from around the world. In addition, you can check out the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, which is located nearby in Cape Canaveral.
The city’s most popular annual event is SunFest. It is a 17-day fair that includes midway rides, fair foods, and live entertainment.
How to Get Around
Getting around in West Palm Beach may not be as difficult as you might think. The city is home to a variety of different public transportation options including the TriRail, a commuter rail line, and Palm Tran, a public bus transit system. Both of these options offer a number of benefits, including a low cost of travel.
The TriRail is a commuter rail line that connects West Palm Beach with Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The average train ticket costs around $3, and the journey takes about 16 minutes. Tickets are available for discounted rates if you book in advance.
The Palm Tran, on the other hand, offers a public bus transit system that covers more than 30 different routes throughout Palm Beach County. You can find bus stops at several popular points of interest in the area. Depending on where you are going, a trip on the Palm Tran may take you 52 minutes or less. It is worth a look if you want to see some of the best sights in Palm Beach.
Best Restaurants
West Palm Beach restaurants do have a range from casual to high-end, and feature a wide range of cuisines, with impeccable service, of course.
Want a restaurant for a romantic dinner? try Il Bellagio. This Italian restaurant has beautiful views of the CityPlace fountains and Rosemary Square. It also offers dinner and a romantic patio. It has a huge wine list and offers an extensive menu.
Another restaurant is Le Bilboquet, which serves French cuisine. This restaurant is open for lunch (12 – 3:30 pm), dinner (5:30 – 9:30 pm), and brunch (9:30 – noon).
There is also Pizza Al Fresco, which offers Mediterranean seafood. It also offers wood-fired pizza and a wide variety of salads.
Meanwhile, Agora Mediterranean Kitchen does offer vegan and vegetarian options, but they still serve meat cuisine. It also has a wide selection of soups and hot and cold mezes. The menu also includes chargrilled meats, burgers, and fresh seafood.
Things to Do
Whether you are a local looking to experience something new, or a visitor to the area, West Palm Beach has a lot to offer. Its beaches offer beautiful views, and its local trails offer easy access to the waterways. There are also many family friendly attractions to enjoy.
The city of West Palm Beach is not only known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront, but also for its restaurants, spas, and shopping. You will also find many historical museums, including the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. This museum is housed in a stunning Edwardian mansion. The museum has a variety of historical programs, including a World War II restoration.
You can also enjoy the scenic drive along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The drive will take you past gorgeous homes and lush greenery. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway.
If you are looking for a more active activity, you can try your hand at bungee jumping. This activity can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
Neighborhoods to Know
Located in the southern coast of Florida, West Palm Beach has a diverse array of neighborhoods. Known for its history, beautiful beaches and diverse community, this Southern Florida city is a great place to live.
The most desirable neighborhoods are those near downtown. These neighborhoods are characterized by the most upscale amenities, good schools and minimal crime. You’ll find a variety of homes, including historic bungalows, Spanish-style homes, and bungalows. You can also find luxury condos in this area.
Downtown West Palm Beach has a lively scene. It offers a variety of cultural institutions, shopping, nightlife, and festivals. It’s also home to several marinas. It’s also home to Palm Beach International Airport. It’s also close to Interstate 95, which makes it easy to travel to other cities.
Located just west of downtown, Flamingo Park is a neighborhood that’s been redeveloped in recent years. It’s full of tree-lined streets and a variety of cultural amenities. It’s also just a short bike ride from the waterfront.
Flamingo Park is also home to a large number of business owners and professionals. It’s close to Rosemary Square, which features a plethora of activities.
Weather
During the summer months, West Palm Beach weather can be very muggy. The humidity can get so high that afternoon thunderstorms are possible. You may want to pack a couple pairs of long pants, shorts, and tank tops. You may also want to pack a few sweaters for evenings.
The average rainfall in West Palm Beach is fairly high, at approximately 107mm a month. It is spread out over a nine day period, and corresponds to 7.8 hours of sunshine. The best time to go to West Palm Beach is late fall or early spring, when the weather is cool but not overly humid. The humidity can be very high during the summer months, so you may want to pack a couple pairs of sweatshirts.
West Palm Beach weather is typically mild in winter, but there are occasional frosts. Temperatures in the low 80s are not uncommon during the summer months. The sea is quite warm, which makes swimming in the water very pleasant. You can expect to see rip currents in the coastal areas. Rip currents can sweep you away from the beach if you are not careful.
